Take action against Zakir Naik, MIC urges police

PETALING JAYA: MIC is calling for the arrest and deportation of Dr Zakir Naik following the Indian government’s request for an Interpol Red Notice against the controversial preacher.

MIC treasurer-general Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari said in a statement that India’s courts had found Dr Zakir and his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) to be a threat to the country’s security.

“What is more shocking is that India’s investigations revealed Dr Zakir Naik’s link with IS and the influence of his teachings on suspects involved in a terrorist attack in Bangladesh a few months ago,” he said, adding that this showed that Dr Zakir is a threat to Malaysia.

“I now call upon the Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and the Royal Malaysian Police Force to arrest Dr Zakir Naik and deport him immediately to India to face Indian authorities,” he said.

Vell Paari also called on the IGP to investigate Dr Zakir’s sympathisers, explaining that they could have been using his teachings as a guide to spread Islamic State ideology and recruit members in Malaysia.

He singled out Perkasa and its president Datuk Dr Ibrahim Ali saying the Malay rights group must be investigated for protecting and helping the preacher.

“The IGP must also commence an investigation on those who invited him into Malaysia in the first place and gave him access to obtain permanent resident status,” Vell Paari said.

He added that Dr Zakir must not be allowed back into Malaysia if he had left the country.